“Ring Around a Tree”: extension for a kindergarten in Tokyo

Everyone knows children love to climb trees and scamper about, but no-one seems to take this into account in designing schools and places of learning. The poetically named “Ring Around a Tree” project in Tokyo next to the Fuji-Kindergarten, also designed by Tezuka, is a response to children’s need for movement and love of nature.

Inspired by the same idea as the older building, constructed in 2007, which also has trees growing through it, the new annex is a smaller building also constructed around a tree and blending into it, bringing the tree and the children in close contact.Timber and glass platforms spiral upwards to a height of 5 metres, in a sequence of open and closed, high and low spaces, including some which are accessible only to the smallest children. The structure has a surface area of about 145 square metres and is designed as a multipurpose space for English lessons, fun activities and waiting for the school bus. The part containing the two classrooms, on two different levels, is surrounded by glass, while the other parts are in contact with the outdoors.

There are no items of furniture in the classrooms which might limit the children’s movements or imaginations, according to Montessori’s motto that spaces for learning must attempt to create a fruitful, liberating atmosphere with no constrictive elements. What better place for a classroom than in a tree, in close contact with nature, to provide inspiration!An interesting bit of trivia: the tree the Fuji-Kindergarten annex is built around is a Zelkova which was severely damaged in a typhoon and miraculously saved, perhaps with the aid of the positive energy given off by the children playing around it!

Ring Around a Tree

Design:
 Tezuka Architects
, http://www.tezuka-arch.com
Structure Engineer:
 OHNO JAPAN Co., Ltd/OHNO HIROFUMI
Photographer: 
Katsuhisa Kida/FOTOTECA (photo 2, 8),
other photographs courtesy of Tezuka Architects

Lighting Designer: 
Masahide Kakudate/Lighting Architect&Associates

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GALLERY